Swedish Ivy, scientifically known as Plectranthus australis or Plectranthus verticillatus, is a charming plant appreciated for its lush foliage and easy-care nature. Despite its name, it is not an ivy but rather a member of the mint family, Lamiaceae. Originating from southern Africa, Swedish Ivy has found its way into homes and gardens worldwide due to its cascading growth habit.
In its natural habitat, Swedish Ivy can reach lengths of several feet, but when grown indoors or in containers, it usually remains more compact, with stems extending up to one or two feet. Swedish Ivy has historically been used as an indoor plant, but their stout composure and strong growing habit have likewise made them popular as a spring annual.
Growing and Caring For Swedish Ivy
Light: Swedish Ivy prefers bright, indirect light but can tolerate lower light conditions. Avoid placing it in direct sunlight, as this can scorch the delicate foliage. A north or east-facing window is ideal for indoor cultivation.
Temperature: This plant prefers moderate temperatures ranging from 60°F to 75°F (15°C to 24°C). Avoid exposing it to drastic temperature fluctuations or drafts, which can stress the plant.
Soil: Use a well-draining potting mix rich in organic matter for Swedish Ivy. A mixture of peat moss, perlite, and compost works well. Repot the plant annually in spring to refresh the soil and provide ample space for root growth.
Watering: Maintain evenly moist soil for Swedish Ivy, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so striking a balance is essential. Ensure proper drainage in the container to prevent waterlogged soil.
Fertilization: Feed Swedish Ivy with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every two to four weeks during the growing season (spring through fall). Reduce fertilization frequency during the winter months when growth slows down.
Pruning: Regular pruning helps maintain the plant’s shape and encourages bushier growth. Pinch the stems regularly to promote branching and prevent the plant from becoming leggy.
Propagation: Swedish Ivy is easy to propagate from stem cuttings. Simply snip a healthy stem just below a leaf node and place it in a glass of water or potting mix. Roots will develop within a few weeks, and you can then transplant the cutting into its container.
Pest and Disease Control: While Swedish Ivy is relatively resistant to pests and diseases, it may occasionally encounter issues such as aphids, mealybugs, or powdery mildew. Keep an eye out for any signs of infestation or disease and treat them promptly with organic or chemical remedies as needed.
Support: Support trailing stems using stakes or trellises, especially if you want to train the plant to climb or cascade down from a higher position.
Leaves and Flowers
One of the most attractive features of Swedish Ivy is its lush foliage, which adds a touch of greenery to any space. The leaves are typically rounded or slightly heart-shaped, with scalloped edges, and grow in pairs along the stems. The glossy surface of the leaves reflects light beautifully, enhancing their visual appeal. The foliage varies in color, ranging from vibrant green to variegated shades of green and white.
While Swedish Ivy is primarily grown for its foliage, it does produce small, tubular flowers under the right conditions. The flowers emerge on slender spikes and are typically pale lavender or white in color. While not particularly showy, the blooms add a delicate touch to the plant’s overall appearance.
Uses in Gardening and Landscaping
One of the primary uses of Swedish Ivy is as an indoor decorative plant. Its cascading growth habit makes it perfect for hanging baskets, where it can trail gracefully, adding a touch of greenery to any room. Whether placed near a window or in a well-lit corner, Swedish Ivy brightens up living spaces with its vibrant foliage. Its adaptability to low light conditions also makes it suitable for offices, lobbies, and other indoor environments where natural light may be limited.
Swedish Ivy serves as an excellent ground cover plant in outdoor garden settings. Its vigorous growth and ability to spread quickly make it ideal for filling in bare areas under trees, along garden paths, or in flower beds. Once established, Swedish Ivy forms a dense mat of foliage that suppresses weed growth and helps retain soil moisture. Its resilience to various growing conditions, including partial shade and moderate drought, makes it a reliable choice for landscaping projects.
Due to its trailing nature and robust growth, Swedish Ivy is also utilized for erosion control on slopes and embankments. When planted en masse, its dense foliage helps stabilize soil, preventing erosion caused by rainfall or runoff. The roots of Swedish Ivy penetrate the soil deeply, anchoring it in place and reducing the risk of landslides or soil displacement. This makes Swedish Ivy a valuable asset in landscaping projects to preserve soil integrity and prevent environmental damage.
Our Selection of Swedish Ivy
At Martin Garden Center, we carry 4″ Variegated Swedish Ivy throughout the spring and summer, selling 200 or more plants each year. We attempt to keep at least half a table in our Greenhouse stocked with 20-30 plants due to its popularity with our customers.
We also attempt to keep 10″ hanging baskets of Variegated Swedish Ivy stocked from spring through fall, selling 20-30 each year. The demand for the camouflaged and plain green Swedish Ivy is significantly less and accordingly, we stock these plants in 4″ and 10″ hanging baskets sporadically.
Is Swedish Ivy Toxic to Cats and Dogs?
Swedish Ivy, scientifically is considered non-toxic to cats and dogs. If ingested, it would likely not cause significant harm or toxicity.
Is Swedish Ivy The Same As Creeping Charlie?
Swedish Ivy and Creeping Charlie are two distinct plant species with different characteristics, although they both share a trailing growth habit and are often used as ground cover or in hanging baskets.
Can Swedish Ivy Tolerate Low Light Conditions?
Yes, Swedish Ivy can tolerate low light conditions, but it prefers bright, indirect sunlight. In lower light environments, the plant may grow more slowly and produce fewer flowers. Placing it near a north or east-facing window is ideal for indoor cultivation.